Raising Heart Disease Awareness

By: Portneuf Health Partners

Published: January 30th, 2017

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Portneuf is proudly participating in American Heart Month. All month long we will be talking about your heart! It will be a topic in articles, on our social media channels and across our communities.
Among the events in the area, Portneuf welcomes you to participate in:
• Fri, February 3rd – We invite everyone to wear red in celebration of National Wear Red Day, a day set aside to raise awareness about women and heart disease.
• Tues, February 7th – Red Hot Mamas – Hypertension and You, presented by Dr. Lisa Antonelli
• Thurs, February 23rd – Heart Surgery Game Plan-From Kickoff to Touchdown , presented by Dr. DeLaRosa
• Month of February – Reduced-fee Labs

Part of being heart disease aware is knowing your ‘heart health’ numbers. To help you know, during the month of February Portneuf is offering a series of reduced-fee lab tests during the month of February. Tests include a coronary risk profile and a battery of blood tests that measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Screening forms are available at www.portneuf.org/services/lab. Additionally, we encourage you to schedule a visit with your primary care provider to talk about your numbers, your risk factors and your heart health.

Knowing your heart health numbers will help especially if you have any of the following risks:
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Overweight
• Physical inactivity
• Family history

Experts say you can help lower your risk by taking action and speaking to you doctor. Don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weigh and make your heart health a priority. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.

To check your heart risk visit www.portneuf.org/hearts and answer three simple questions. To learn more about your heart and upcoming events, like us on Facebook or visit Portneuf.org.

If you are concerned about your risk for developing heart disease, have a family history of heart disease or if you have experienced symptoms in the past, talk to your primary care physician or a cardiologist. There is a broad range of diagnostic and treatment options available that can change the course of heart disease and significantly enhance your quality of life. If you would like to see a cardiologist at Portneuf Medical Center, call 208-234-2001 to schedule a consultation.